Laurens SC - May 22, 2025 - Beneath a canopy of blue skies and warm spring breezes, the heart of Laurens County beat a little stronger Thursday morning as residents, officials, and nature lovers gathered to celebrate a milestone moment: the official opening of the May-White Azalea Trail.
With cheers, ribbon-cutting scissors, and the scent of spring in the air, the new trail was unveiled at Laurens County Park—offering more than just a scenic stroll. It marked a proud step forward in the county’s ongoing journey to build a healthier, more connected, and vibrant community.
The event, hosted by the Laurens County Trails Association (LCTA), began at 11 a.m. with an opening welcome from Jamie B. Adair, a member of the LCTA Executive Committee. Adair expressed gratitude for the partnerships and perseverance that made the project possible, setting a tone of appreciation and unity that carried through the morning.
Following Adair’s introduction, Bob Bryant, Executive Director of the LCTA, officially welcomed guests and presided over the ceremony. Bryant emphasized the power of community collaboration and the vision behind the trail’s creation.
One of the morning’s highlights was a brief but fascinating history lesson from Dr. Charles Horn, a Newberry College professor and advocate for native plant conservation. Dr. Horn introduced attendees to the trail’s namesake flower, the May-White Azalea (Rhododendron eastmanii), also known as the sweet azalea.
Native to Union, Spartanburg, and Laurens Counties, this fragrant white-flowering shrub is celebrated for its graceful beauty and subtle charm. Blooming in late spring, the May-White Azalea thrives in wooded slopes and along stream banks, and its inclusion in the trail design honors the region’s natural heritage and biodiversity.
Andy Horn, Director of Laurens County Parks and Recreation, addressed the crowd next, detailing the scope and ambition behind the trail’s development. “This was a massive undertaking—months of planning, partnerships, and hands-on work,” Horn said.
The ceremony concluded with heartfelt remarks from South Carolina State Senator Danny Verdin, a longtime champion of parks and public green spaces.
“There is something for everyone here,” Senator Verdin said. “We should all take advantage rather than taking for granted. And before you leave today, I want you to think: Who are you going to tell about the May-White Trail?”
With the ribbon officially cut, attendees were invited to walk the trail, experiencing the fresh landscaping, native flora, and scenic views designed to inspire both reflection and recreation.
The May-White Azalea Trail is now open to the public and stands as a shining example of what can be achieved when community values align with a shared vision for the future. As part of a growing network of trails in Laurens County, it underscores the role of outdoor spaces in boosting public health, supporting tourism, preserving the environment, and enriching daily life.
For more information about the trail and upcoming events, visit the Laurens County Trails Association website or follow LCTA on social media.
